The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-02-04

0onStlNlneu lauHh--'Dut as certainly a
penniless one
She lifts her eyes resolutely as she
says this, though IL costs her something
to do IT, and looks keenly at him. II she
had expected any disappointment, or
blank, or awkwardness on his decidedly
ugly face, she is mistaken Gerald
Massareene looks, II anything, relieved
In that now hope seems to have entered
into him.
MY dearest girl, try to face that
thought" he says, leaving his distant
position, and once more dropping into the
seat near her--much nearer this time.
I'm not Crpsus; but il you could
make up your mind to it, we might be
able to make both ends meet"
You have exactly seven hundred a
year." says Miss Grey, who disdains
subterfuge 81 found that out long ago
by making inquiries"
Massareene laughs.
You are worth dozen of your sex
in every way, but especially in one
way" he says--'you never 90 in for de-
ceit however harmless, and you seldom
beat about the bush. Yet 700 doesn't
exaggerate it, and-ahem there is al
ways, you know, the chance of the title
when my uncle-Lord Ballymore"-
"pouf" interrupts Mplicent, con-
temptuOusly. when you have slain
your uncle, you mean, who is almost as
young as yourself, and who is as likely
as not to have an heir at any moment"
mot at any moment, my dear girl
The last--a third girls only fortnight
old, and several moments at all events,
must elapse before the arrival of the
heir. And if it shouldn't come'-
But Miss Grey declines to listen to any
such weak imaginings, and Mr.. Massa-
recnc, little crushed, rather falls out of
the conversation.
Being young man, however, of in.
domitable courage, and an unbounded
supply of perseverance, he presently re-
covers himself, and returns to the charge
valiantly.
81 can see 1 am hateful to you," says
he
"oh, MOI .Certainly'-politely-"you you
are not that"
"You can't endure me-"
u can, indeed, without the slightest
trouble"
'Im an ugly fellow, know"
Every one can't be as handsome as
Grant," demurely.
"Oh! to the devil with Granitr' says
Mr. Massareene, losing his patience.
with all my heart" replies she,
amiably
~ don't believe he cares for you"
MY dear Gerald! What very rude
speechw
"Well, can't help it If I THOUGHT
otherwise, even though l worship the
ground you walk on, l would say moth
ing"
DO you really think that"
That he doesn't value you properly
Faith don
NO. That time could ever arrive
when you could say nothing'S All!
consider the cruelty of the privation."
There now you are laughing at me as
usual says Massareene, and (for fear
sh"'d be lonely, perhaps) he breaks into
low musical laugh also.
'Ihat's u charming necklace you have
on, ~ says he, after little bit, that re-
gret TO say was spent in kissing the
hand of Grant, Boyle's betrothed
"" hat is it;-sopphircs?''
And acknowledges
"a igift of-hisY''
He locks really eorrowful now, as he
tell himself how Impossible It would be
Tor linn to rival such princcly Gift. He
might give his honest love--his whole
life TO her service--his very life; but
such magnificent gewgaw as this.
No, silly boy Where would Grant,
get itY Uncle Timothy solemnly pre-
sented it to me on the day of my presen-
thtion. That is quite month ago now.
Ah"--with aquick sigh-''how long ago
it seemsw
"You have spent the greater part of it
with-him"
Mr., Massareene seems to have an un-
conquerable difficulty about pronouncing
his rivals name.
That's exactly why" returns she
calmly. And so you admire my bau-
bles.'
"They are the finest things have seen
this season-or any other, for the matter
OF that. " He feels quite rush of enthu-
slastic admiration rSw he knows that
Uncle Timothy and not the detested
Boyle has been the donor. "And how
unique in shape! One could hardly for
get them, having once seen them. Those
little heart-shaped balls falling from the
necklet shine like fire in this lght.n
There is tiara, too, and stomacher.
But didn't feel like living up to them
yet Yes, it was a valuable gift, but
one rather too elaborate for debutante.
Nevertheless, wear it, if only to please
him."
"You seem bent on pleasing every
one, save men
And yet have pleased most of ALL"
mtlrinurs she, coquettishly-nay, saucily
leaning toward him
He lays his hands quickly on her pretty
rounded arms, and draws her to him.
Her resistance is indeed faint. He bends |
his head. Their eyes meet-almost their
lips-when the sound of coming foot
step causes both to start into more re- |
served posture. The caress, so nearly |
won, is lost